ISD 255 - Pine Island

Congratulations to the Boy's and Girl's track and field team for earning 2nd place Tuesday night in the final home meet of the season.
Earning team points at Mel's Meet were:
100m dash: Peyton Loftus - 1st, Aspen Gorman - 2nd, River Weissgerber - 2nd, McKinley Sorum - 3rd, Lauren Pahl - 6th
200m dash: Peyton Loftus - 1st, Owen Harstad - 2nd, Evie Anderson - 3rd
400m dash: Cooper Rutten - 2nd, River Weissgerber - 1st, Ella Edwards - 5th
800m run: Bo Rosane - 2nd, Olivia Morgan - 3rd, Molly Harstad - 4th
1600m run: Vaughn Anderson - 1st, Olivia Morgan - 2nd, Alivia Levi - 3rd, Adalyn Johnson - 5th
3200m run: Talon Schutz - 4th
100 hurdles: Lisa Hoehne - 1st, Claire Hayden - 2nd, Evie Anderson - 3rd, Alivia Levi - 6th
300 hurdles: Skylar Johnson - 4th, Quinten Fangman - 5th
4x100: Cooper Rutten, Aspen Gorman, Will Taylor, Jackson Hudson - 1st, Evie Anderson, Macy Koenen, McKinley Sorum, Lauren Pahl - 2nd
4x200: Aspen Gorman, Peyton Loftus, Corrin Pike, Owen Harstad - 1st, Claire Hayden, Lisa Hoehne, Lauren Pahl, River Weissgerber - 3rd
4x400: Hadley Timm, Ella Edwards, Alvia Levi, Lily Stapleton - 3rd
4x800: Guillermo Pedreno, Max Njus, Talon Schutz, Vaughn Anderson - 2nd, Alina Taggart, Molly Harstad, Morgan Jacobson, Adalyn Johnson - 2nd
Shot Put: Jackson Hudson - 5th, Kadee Klusmann - 6th
Discus: Colton Henning - 5th, Erin Taylor - 3rd
High Jump: Ben Perreault - 2nd, Kyren Gansen - 3rd, Quinten Fangman - 5th, Macy Koenen - 5th
Pole Vault: Ben Edwards - 1st, Titan Gravenish - 4th, River Weissgerber - 1st, Annalise Sherman - 2nd, Abby Hewitt - 6th
Long Jump: Sam Taddy - 1st, Will Taylor - 6th, Macy Koenen - 5th
Triple Jump: Aspen Gorman - 2nd, Katelyn Vaneps - 5th

Complete results can be found at the link below:
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/650052/results/all

Skyward Transitioning to Infinite Campus

Parents,
Pine Island Schools is transitioning to Infinite Campus as our new student information system for the upcoming school year. Please be aware that the Skyward portal will be deactivated this summer, so we ask that you download or print any records you wish to keep before June 30, 2026.

Transcripts will be available in the new portal, but if you would like to retain copies of specific report cards, please download or print them.

You will receive new login credentials and setup instructions for the Infinite Campus Parent Portal in the coming months.

PIHS Ceramics 1 students explored alternate firing methods by building an outdoor kiln and performing a Raku fire. Using propane as a heat source, art works are removed at 1800 degrees and put into combustibles. When the materials ignite and the container is sealed, it produces metallic and smoky finishes.

Quinn Ellingson's video "The Day Everything Ended" was featured at the MSHSL Visual Arts Exhibition this weekend in Wayzata. He was awarded the Spotlight on the Arts Award of Excellence at the State level for his artwork. Congratulations Quinn!

Pine Island has entered the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition since the 1980’s. This year, we had 74 students in third through fourth grade, as well as one high school student enter the competition. The elementary students worked hard to research, study, and understand waterfowl. They learned about conservation and how important it is to take care of ducks' natural habitats. In Group 1, Pine Island won almost all of the places. Congratulations to the following students.


Group 1 (Grades K-3):

1st place:

Olivia David

Clara DeCook

Jackson Reiter


2nd place:

Zachariah Lungwa

Seraphina Wachter

Julia Martin


3rd place:

Everly Moss

Kian Rikter


Student honor winner:

Claire Tschumper


Honorable Mentions

All 3rd grade students, unless noted.

Lauren Anderson

Bennet Biers

Chloe Cochrane

MaKenna Coop

Brooke Hanenberger

Arabelle Kimble

Corbin Klennert

Atley Kuehn

Jackson Vogt

Reya Watson

Joanna Martin

April Novotny

Emilia Peterson

Maverick Lucas

Charlotte Wright

Rylee Layton (1st grade)


Group 2 (Grades 4-6):

Honorable Mention

Maria Blazek



Group 4 (Grades 10-12):

2nd place:

Shelby Talbot

Congratulations to the Boys and Girls on their strong showings at the HVL Conference meet on Saturday at Stewartville. The boys team earned the Conference Championship and the girls team placed third.

Earning points for their teams were:
100m dash: Peyton Loftus - 3rd, Owen Harstad - 4th, Aspen Gorman - 5th, McKinley Sorum - 6th
200m dash: Peyton Loftus - 1st, Owen Harstad - 2nd, Aspen Gorman - 6th, River Weissgerber - 3rd, Lauren Pahl - 7th
400m dash: Cooper Rutten - 3rd, Corrin Pike - 7th, River Weissgerber - 3rd
800m run: Bo Rosane - 3rd
1600m run: Bo Rosane - 3rd, Vaughn Anderson - 5th, Max Njus - 6th, Olivia Morgan - 5th, Alivia Levi - 8th
3200m run: Max Njus - 3rd, Vaughn Anderson - 6th, Talon Schutz - 7th, Olivia Morgan - 4th
110/100 h: Sam Taddy - 3rd, Skylar Johnson - 4th, Lisa Hoehne - 2nd, Evie Anderson - 3rd, Claire Hayden - 4th
300m h: Skylar Johnson - 2nd, Sam Taddy - 4th, Evie Anderson - 6th
4x100: Evie Anderson, Lisa Hoehne, McKinley Sorum, Lauren Paul - 5th
4x200: Cooper Rutten, Cody Schiltz, Corrin Pike, Peyton Loftus - 1st, Claire Hayden, Lisa Hoehne, McKinley Sorum, River Weissgerber - 5th
4x400: Corrin Pike, Vaughn Anderson, Ben Edwards, Bo Rosane - 5th, Lily Stapleton, Claire Hayden, Ella Edwards, Olivia Morgan - 8th
4x800: Guillermo Pedreno, Kaden Chim, Chase Swintek, Talon Schutz - 5th, Alina Taggart, Morgan Jacobson, Abby Hewitt, Ella Edwards - 6th
Shot Put: Cody Schiltz - 3rd, Jackson Hudson - 5th, Erin Taylor - 7th
Discus: Colton Henning - 2nd, James Diderrich - 9th, Erin Taylor - 6th, Alivia Levi - 9th
High Jump: Ben Perreault - 9th, Annalise Sherman - 7th
Pole Vault: Ben Edwards - 1st, Annalise Sherman - 3rd, River Weissgerber - 5th, Abby Hewitt - 8th
Long Jump: Aspen Gorman - 2nd, Cooper Rutten - 6th, Macy Koenen - 8th
Triple Jump: Sam Taddy - 7th, Aspen Gorman - 9th

All Conference Girls were:
Evie Anderson, Claire Hayden, McKinley Sorum, Olivia Morgan, Lisa Hoehne, and River Weissgerber plus HVL Honorable Mention Annalise Sherman
All Conference Boys were:
Owen Harstad, Skylar Johnson, Corrin Pike, Max Njus, Sam Taddy, Ben Edwards, Vaughn Anderson, Cody Schiltz, Peyton Loftus, Bo Rosane, Aspen Gorman, Cooper Rutten, and Colton Henning

Complete results can be found at the link below:
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/660041/results/all

Congratulations to the boy's and girl's track and field teams for their performances at the Section 1AA True Team meet in Winona on Tuesday, May 5th. The girls placed 6th and the boys placed 2nd behind Stewartville.

The following athletes earned points for their teams:
100m dash - Peyton Loftus, Aspen Gorman, McKinley Sorum, Lauren Pahl
200m dash - Owen Harstad, Peyton Loftus, River Weissgerber, McKinley Sorum
400m dash - Cooper Rutten, Quinten Fangman, River Weissgerber, Ella Edwards
800m run - Bo Rosane, Corrin Pike, Alivia Levi, Molly Harstad
1600m run - Bo Rosane, Vaughn Anderson, Olivia Morgan, Alivia Levi
3200m run - Max Njus, Talon Schutz, Olvia Morgan, Adalyn Johnson
110/100 h - Sam Taddy, Skylar Johnson, Lisa Hoehne, Evie Anderson
300m h - Skylar Johnson, Sam Taddy, Evie Anderson, Claire Hayden
4x100 - Aspen Gorman, Owen Harstad, Corrin Pike, Cody Schiltz, Evie Anderson, Lisa Hoehne, McKinley Sorum, Lauren Pahl
4x200 - Claire Hayden, Lisa Hoehne, Ella Edwards, Lauren Pahl
4x400 - Cooper Rutten, Sam Taddy, Quinten Fangman, Bo Rosane, Alivia Levi, Lily Stapleton, Ella Edwards, River Weissgerber
4x800 - Corrin Pike, Talon Schutz, Max Njus, Vaughn Anderson, Molly Harstad, Morgan Jacobson, Alina Taggart, Adalyn Johnson
Shot Put - Cody Schiltz, Jackson Hudson, Erin Taylor, Kadee Klusmann
Discus - Colton Henning, Jayk Klusmann, Erin Taylor, Savannah Richardson
HJ - Quinten Fangman, Ben Perreault, Annalise Sherman, Macy Koenen
PV - Ben Edwards, Titan Gravenish, Annalise Sherman, River Weissgerber
LJ - Cooper Rutten, Aspen Gorman, Macy Koenen, Ellory Winter
TJ - Aspen Gorman, Sam Taddy, Evie Lujero

Complete results can be found at the link below:
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/653496/results/all

The 2nd - 5th place teams then have their results entered into a "virtual" wildcard meet with the other sections in the state. Pine Island placed 3rd in the wildcard meet and qualified for the State True Team meet held at Eden Prairie HS on Saturday, May 16th.

Our 4th graders put their math skills to work by designing tiny homes! Students practiced calculating area and perimeter while also learning how to budget and make smart financial decisions throughout the project. Great job combining creativity with real-world math skills!

This week, Mrs. Laack's class designed and played board games as part of our study of Ender's Game. Students considered game theory, strategy, thematic connection, and player experience in creating a game to play with their classmates.

Band 6-8 Concert

On Childcare Professionals Day, we celebrate your patience, dedication, and love 💛

Thank you for the early mornings 🌅, the endless energy ⚡, the creative activities 🎨, and the countless moments of care that shape young minds and futures 🌱 Your work truly makes a difference, and it does not go unnoticed 👏

On Wednesday, we had 5 Roots and Shoots Environmental Club members participate in the regional Envirothon held at the Byron Sportsman and Conservation Club. These students have spent the past few months learning about topics relating to forestry, soils, wildlife, water issues and current topics. It was a great day and we are excited for next years competition!

Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence Announces 2027 Engineering Machine Design Contest Student Ambassadors

MANKATO, MN — The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence is proud to introduce the 2027 Engineering Machine Design Contest (EMDC) Student Ambassadors:
Josh Burke (Blaine, MN), Vivian Slettedahl (Pine Island, MN), and Evelyn Baird (Pine Island,MN).

These three students have been selected as leaders, innovators, and advocates who embody the spirit of the EMDC. As ambassadors, they play a vital role in growing the program, supporting their peers, and sharing the impact of hands-on engineering experiences within their schools and
local communities.

"Our Student Ambassadors represent the very best of what this contest stands for, " said Melissa Huppert, STEM Outreach Coordinator for the Engineering Center of Excellence.
"They understand that EMDC is about more than building a machine—it is about developing the problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence necessary for future success."

Meet the 2027 Ambassadors:
Josh Burke (ARCHES, Blaine, MN): Returning for his second term after serving as a 2026 Ambassador, Josh is recognized for his purposeful leadership and dependability. He excels in coordinating team logistics and motivating his peers to step outside their
comfort zones.
Vivian Slettedahl (Pine Island Public School, MN): Driven by curiosity and a passion for engineering, Vivian has used the EMDC to explore complex systems and shape her future career goals. She is a strong advocate for the inclusive and supportive environment
the contest provides.
Evelyn Baird (Pine Island Public School, MN): Known for her composure under pressure, Evelyn is a highly organized collaborator. She is recognized by her teammates for her ability to tackle complex challenges head-on while actively listening to and
integrating the ideas of others.

About the Engineering Machine Design Contest (EMDC) The Engineering Machine Design Contest is an opportunity for teams of 3 to 12 students to design and build a complex machine using everyday objects. The completed machine uses multiple steps to complete a simple task.
Teams are scored on a Team Journal, Team Presentation, and Machine Design and Operation, allowing students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
principles in a collaborative, whimsical environment.

About the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence facilitates relationships by engaging academic institutions with industry and provides educational outreach by inspiring interest in STEM. The Center helps introduce STEM career pathways to students starting as early as fifth grade, shaping the next generation of engineers who will solve real-world problems.

Due to the County Road 3 closure from May 18–29, some bus routes will need to be adjusted—particularly those that drop off students in town (Pine Island). If your route has a significant change, you should have received a notification through the Stopfinder app with updated stop times and bus numbers (if applicable). Please check the app to review these updates.

Note: Route changes will not appear on individual student schedules until the end of the day on May 15. Afternoon routes that normally travel on County Road 3 may experience delays.

If you have any questions, please contact Tammi Quintero, Transportation Director, at 507-356-8666 or tquintero@pineisland.k12.mn.us.

Alexis Weis, 6th grade Pine Island student, won the Class III (Grades 6 & 7) American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Poster local contest. Her artwork now moves on to the next level. Congrats, Lexi!

Keira Huschka, 4th grade Pine Island student, won the Class II (Grades 3 & 4) American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Poster local contest. Her artwork now moves on to the next level. Congrats, Keira!

Jazz Strings Concert: May 9